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PUBLICATION OF THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA IN DUBAI

Consul General meets Crown Prince of Dubai ◆ Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah visits Dubai ◆ Exhibition of rare photographic prints of India ◆ 10th Auto Expo held in New Delhi from January 5 to 11

VOL. 2 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2010

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, received Consul General of India in Dubai Venu Rajamony for a farewell call on January 17. Consul General thanked Sheikh Hamdan for the patronage extended by the Rulers and Government of the UAE to the people of India living in Dubai and for the personal support and cooperation extended to him in his work as CG. Rajamony invited Sheikh Hamdan to visit India and said such a visit will take India-UAE relations to greater heights. The Crown Prince wished the Consul General the very best for his future career and expressed appreciation for all that he has done to strengthen India-UAE relations. Rajamony is returning to India on February 12 on completion of his three-year tenure in Dubai. He will be joining the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi on a new assignment.

Consulate General of India P.O. BOX 737, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Tel: +971 4 3971222/ +971 4 3971333, Fax: +971 4 3970453, Tlx.: 46061 CGIND EM BOOKBOOK ONON Email: [email protected]

CONSULATE HOTLINE NUMBERS: +971 50 9433111 (For women/housemaids in distress and counseling for stress and depression) INDIA-UAEINDIA-UAE +971 50 7347676 (For death formalities on holidays and after office hours) 600 522229 (Passport and Visa Services Centre) Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi Plot No. 10, Sector W-59/02, Diplomatic Area, Off the Airport Road TIESTIES P.O. Box 4090, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 2 4492700, Fax: +971 2 4444685 / +971 2 4447768 Email: [email protected] LAUNCHED India Matters on air on 105.4FM Radio Spice every Friday-Saturday @ 6pm LAUNCHED and on Me Ranjani Telegu Radio 1152 AM @ 5pm Special report on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010, New Delhi FROM THE CONSUL GENERAL’S DESK India Matters is a monthly publication of the I am extremely happy to inform you that a book, authored by me, titled India and the UAE: In Celebration of a Consulate General of India Legendary Friendship, was released this month. (CGI) in Dubai. All rights It is my ode to my three-year tenure in Dubai. I have authored it after about 19 months of research and submit it as reserved. No part of this journal a humble offering to the great people of the UAE and of India. may be produced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any contents I had the opportunity of presenting the first copy of the book to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al means – electronic, mechanical, Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on January 25, 2010, the eve of India’s photocopying, recording or 61st Republic Day. otherwise, without the I have also presented copies of the book to the Rulers of Sharjah and Ajman and the Crown Princes of Dubai, Ras Al permission of the CGI Dubai. Khaimah and Ajman. I met HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Editorial correspondence and Dubai Executive Council, for a farewell call and invited him to visit India. I believe such a visit will take India-UAE manuscripts can be addressed to relations to greater heights. [email protected] Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) 2010, which was one of the biggest highlights of the month of January has been cov- Content and design by IANS ered extensively in this issue. My special congratulations to Dr. Azad Moopen, physician-turned-entrepreneur, who (www.ianspublishing.com) manages one of the largest healthcare networks in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for having been con- on behalf of Consulate ferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. His investment of over $200 million for setting up hospitals and eye-care centres General of India in Dubai. across India, including his home state of Kerala, will touch many lives. Meanwhile, on the sidelines of PBD 2010, prominent Gulf non-resident Indians voiced their problems and suggestions at a session, ‘Indians and the Gulf: Gulf Session,’ in the presence of Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor and Minister of State for Railways E. Ahamed, details of which are also in the magazine. The Government is conferring the Padma Shri Award on Dr. J.R. Gangaramani, President and Executive Chairman of the Al Fara’a Integrated Construction Group. The award will be bestowed on him for his business achievements, which have been marked by an exceptional journey of three decades. My heartiest congratulations to him. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010 4 At the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010, the annual conclave of the Indian diaspora held in New Delhi on January 8-9, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh promised NRIs voting rights and social security.

INDIA-UAE 12 Minister for New and Renewable Energy LETTERS TO EDITOR Farooq Abdullah visits Dubai I am highly impressed with Consul General Venu Rajamony’s book, India and the UAE: In Celebration of a Legendary Friendship. The book portrays in writing/pictures and colours the true relationship between the two INDIA-UAE closely bonded countries where friendship began centuries ago but more so during the last and present century. India Ladies Association, While other local families had their own special connection, mine was an enduring one. The book, in all its form 13 and grandeur, represents the true bond and friendship between the two closely knitted countries. It is so rich in Dubai, holds health camp BUSINESS & ECONOMY information and knowledge that I highly recommend that it should be circulated in all government, semi-government and private institutions and offices. 16 10th Auto Expo held in New Delhi Majid Abdul Razak Chairman, Living Zone LLC With two million visitors, the 10th Auto TRAVEL: GOA Expo in New Delhi emerged as the largest among such events, even sur- I often read the magazine online at www.cgidubai.com. I would like to complement the team on its efforts. The passing New York and Shanghai. magazine is comprehensive and keeps us abreast with the latest happening in the Indian community in the UAE. 20 BUSINESS & ECONOMY Mohit Seth 18 ‘Economic reforms Businessmen. Ras Al Khaimah reduced poverty’ It is interesting to read the travel pages in the publication. The travel options in India are many. I am glad a mag- The economic reforms initiated in India has helped mitigate poverty in the coun- azine like this showcases the real India, to the international community here in Dubai. try but still a lot remains to be done, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh tells Stephen Cash the Indian Economic Association. Tourist. Dubai

2| INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|3 JANUARY 2010 JANUARY 2010 SPECIAL REPORT

by India, the Prime Minister eration of overseas Indians with said the country’s economy will their ancestral heritage and not only register one of the involve them actively in India's fastest expansions in the world march forward,” he added. this fiscal but soon return and “India is today one of the top sustain a high growth path of 9 investment destinations. percent. “During the year gone Economic opportunities are by, the world faced unprece- expanding everywhere. Overseas dented economic and financial Indians, however, while being crisis. But the Indian economy good savers tend to be some- weathered this crisis quite what conservative investors. well,” he said. Most remittances are placed in “We hope to achieve this bank deposits. Foreign direct year a growth rate of around 7 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Chief Guest Lord Khalid investment (FDI) in India by percent, which is one of the Hameed of Hampstead at PBD 2010. overseas Indians is low and far fastest in the world. We are short of potential. I would urge equally optimistic we can return to and solicit your assistance to achieve those overseas Indians to take a careful look at sustain an annual growth rate of 9-10 per- goals. We wish to accelerate the efforts to long-term investment opportunities now on cent in a couple of years,” the Dr. Singh effectively address the key constraints in the horizon in our country,” he said. said. the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, “Indian industry is rapidly developing a “The rapid growth of India’s economy health and education. These are the key global orientation. Many Indian companies in the last few years has helped lift millions priorities for the second term of our are transforming themselves into multina- of people out of poverty. We have been able Government,” he told the gathering. tional corporations with global brand to expand access to education, healthcare “We seek the active involvement of the names. As Indian industry steps outward, and economic opportunities to a vast overseas Indian communities in accelerating the Indian diaspora could do more to inter- majority of our population. the pace of our economic and social devel- link Indian industry with global markets. “This is, however, a work in progress opment. In this context, it is important that They could reinforce the improving brand Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi welcomes Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the opening ceremony of the and much more remains to be done. I we make efforts to connect the second gen- image of India. I sincerely hope that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010 in New Delhi on January 8. Create a new Indian model: Pitroda

A NEW BEGINNING ndia’s knowledge sector offers a great five aspects of education Prime Minister Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assures voting rights, social security for NRIs window of opportunity to overseas Manmohan Singh looked at four years IIndians to join hands with the coun- ago. “These are access to knowledge, oting rights by the next gener- as they are increasingly doing in business country hosts annually to connect with its try in its high growth trajectory and producing teachers for the future, appli- al elections, and social security and academia.” 25 million diaspora in 130 countries. invest in its future, technology evangel- cation of this knowledge, creation of to tide over economic distress The Prime Minister said security of The Prime Minister said, while people ist Sam Pitroda said on January 8. knowledge and role of knowledge in were the highlights of Prime Indians abroad remained high on his all over were legitimately proud of India’s Though the country recorded more governance,” said the former chairman MinisterV Dr. Manmohan Singh’s assur- Government’s agenda. He promised a fund vibrant democracy, the Government had than 7 percent growth over the last five of India’s Knowledge Commission. ances to non-resident Indians as he asked to help Indians returning to their country not been able to deliver in full measure on years, the next challenge is inclusive “We now plan to build 30 new the vast diaspora to tap the opportunities after facing financial distress caused by the the enormous promise and potential of the growth, Pitroda said at the Pravasi national universities and 40 new innova- their country of origin now offers. global slowdown. country. Bharatiya Divas 2010. tion universities,” Pitroda, also an advis- “I recognise the legitimate desire of “Security of our overseas workers and “I recognise the frustration well wishers There is still a great deal of disparity er to the Prime Minister, said. He added Indians living abroad to exercise their fran- students is top priority,” he said. “We are feel when they lament why things don’t in this country – disparity between rich that the Government had allocated $67 chise and to have a say in who governs conscious of the need to structure an appro- work faster or why well formulated plans and poor, urban and rural and educated billion for education in the 11th Five- India,” the Prime Minister told the annual priate return and resettlement fund. We are and policies don’t get implemented as well and uneducated, he said. Year Plan. conclave for the Indian diaspora. working on a project to provide a social as they should be.” “I request you to engage with India, According to him, all these offered a “We are working on this issue and I security net for the returning workers.” He said there was a price India was knowing this is a great window of unique opportunity for overseas Indians sincerely hope that they will get a chance to This apart, Indian Community Welfare paying to carry all sections of its people opportunity,” he added. Sam Pitroda at the ‘Diaspora—Role and to join hands in building new universi- vote by the time of the next regular gener- Funds have been established in 18 coun- along in national development, but that Speaking on ‘Diaspora—Role and Expectations’ session at PBD-2010. ties and working at these institutions, al elections,” he said at the eighth edition tries to provide food, shelter, repatriation was a price worth paying. “It is probably Expectations’ at a plenary session, while also improving vocational educa- of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in New Delhi. assistance and emergency relief to overseas true we are a slow moving elephant but it Pitroda, regarded as the father of India’s of its population below the age of 25, tion system in the county. “In fact, I would go a step further and Indians in distress, he said. is equally true that with each step forward telecom revolution, said it was impera- who today number 550 million. “We have to create a new Indian ask why more overseas Indians should not Some 1,500 delegates from 50-plus we leave behind a deep imprint.” tive for the country to look at the future In this context, Pitroda recalled the model,” Pitroda added. return home to join politics and public life countries attended the conclave that the Referring to the giant strides being made

4| INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|5 JANUARY 2010 JANUARY 2010 SPECIAL REPORT 9-10% growth possible: Pranab ‘Gulf a dream destination’ he Gulf will remain a “dream there’s a financial crisis in Gulf countries,” ith the worst of the global growth was 6.1 percent and in July- destination” for Indians and Ali, who was in New Delhi to attend the economic crisis over, India September it was 7.9 percent. So, in the there is no serious impact of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010, said. W can now achieve 9-10 per- first six months, growth has been 7 per- global slowdown in the Middle According to Ali, who is also a member cent growth in the near future, Finance cent against 5.8 percent in the correspon- TEast, save for some problems in the con- of the Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Minister Pranab Mukherjee said, adding ding period of last fiscal,” he added. struction industry in Dubai, well-known Council, some companies in Europe with the economy is expected to expand 7.75 Tracing India’s growth path, the NRI businessman M.A. Yusuff Ali said. their “opportunistic mindsets” had sought percent this fiscal. Finance Minister said, for the first time, a “Oil is a major income source in the to create panic that the Middle East was hit “The Indian economy is on the figure of 8.6 percent had been achieved Middle East. The oil sector is very strong hard by the global economic meltdown. growth trajectory path. We may expect between 2004 and 2009. there as prices of oil are improving,” said Ali, “Some companies operating from 7.75 percent growth this fiscal,” In this context, Mukherjee said the Managing Director of the Emke Group that Europe and the US sacked many employ- Mukherjee said, while addressing the reforms process initiated since 1991 was employs 22,000 people in the Gulf coun- ees in the name of recession. They did so first plenary session of the Pravasi “still continuing because its architect tries, Hong Kong and mainland China, as they wanted to re-recruit employees Bharatiya Divas 2010 on January 8. (then finance minister Manmohan Indonesia, Kenya, Tanzania and Thailand. cheap,” said Ali. “I am quite confident if things go Singh) is today the country’s Prime “If something happens to the oil sector, “But Gulf is and will remain a dream the way they are going, it is possible to Minister”. M.A. Yusuff Ali. only then it would be true to say that destination for Indians,” he added. achieve a growth of 9-10 percent,” he Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Speaking about some of the recent said, detailing the manner in which India addressing the gathering at the first ple- initiatives of the Government, he said had ridden out the global meltdown. nary session of the PBD-2010. consensus was emerging on a new direct “In January 2009, when I took over, tax code, with experts roped in to simpli- Moopen to invest $200 the challenge was whether to go the tra- Rs. 186,000 crore ($37 billion) stimulus fy the forms so that one was able to mn in Indian health care ditional way and wait for sunny days or packages to generate internal demand. understand the fine print it on his own. take steps that were not conventional,” “The risk paid off. In the first two “I hope to introduce it in 2011-12 as ulf-based healthcare tycoon the Finance Minister said, referring to the quarters of 2009-10 – in April-June the targeted,” he said. GAzad Moopen is investing over Rs. 10 billion ($200 million) for setting up hospitals and eye-care centres newly established Overseas Indian From left, Ravi Pillai, MD, Nasser S. Al Hajri Corporation; Syed M. Salahuddin, Director, across India, including his home state Facilitation Centre will become an effective ETA Ascon & Star Group; M.A. Yusuff Ali, MD of EMKE Group; Minister of State for of Kerala. hub for promoting two-way interaction External Affairs Shashi Tharoor and C.K. Menon, MD, Behzad Group of Companies. “There is a huge opportunity in between the overseas Indian community India. India will become one of the and our institutions,” Singh added. major powers in 25 years,” said On FDI, Singh said: “About 40 percent ‘Bring mini-PBD to the Gulf’ Moopen, who is the Chairman of the of the total remittances of over $50 billion Dubai-based Dr. Moopen group and in 2007-2008 came from skilled and semi- aking overseas Indians into con- “Let the Government decide on the the Kozhikode-based Malabar skilled overseas Indian workers. The securi- sideration in the Government’s venue and we Indians in the Gulf will Institute of Medical Sciences. ty of our overseas workers and students is a Tdivestment process and creating fully help in its organisation,” he said. “We have already started the top priority of my Government.” Islamic-finance friendly projects to attract Chairman and Managing Director of Medicity project in 40 acres of land “We are conscious of the need to struc- Gulf investments were among the various Qatar’s Behzad Group of Companies in Kochi. It is a Rs. 500 crore ($100 ture an appropriate ‘Return and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees. suggestions overseas Indians from the Gulf C.K. Menon said Gulf nations were sit- million) project. It will be completed Resettlement Fund’ and we are working on made to the government on January 9. ting on huge investible funds and were in three years,” Moopen said. a project to provide a social security safety ments last year with Switzerland, country,” he said. At a session on ‘Indians and the Gulf: looking to put this money in emerging net for the returning workers.” Luxembourg and the Netherlands and are “We are now working to enhance work Gulf Session,’ prominent Gulf non-resi- economies. The Prime Minister added: “We have now negotiating such agreements with a opportunities for our skilled manpower dent Indians voiced their problems and Director of the UAE’s ETA Ascon & been negotiating with the governments of number of other countries,” he added. particularly in the west. We are trying to suggestions in the presence of three minis- Star Group Syed M. Salahuddin sought countries with large emigrant Indian pop- “We would like to benefit from the serv- build labour-mobility partnerships with ters — Minister for Overseas Indian the Government’s help in setting up bet- ulations to improve the welfare and protec- ices of overseas Indian professionals and key countries in the European Union and Affairs Vayalar Ravi, Minister of State for ter schools for Indian students in the tion offered to our workers. volunteers to help Indian workers upgrade have finalised one such partnership with External Affairs Shashi Tharoor and Gulf. “Over the last year, we have signed labour skills in specific trade where there is grow- Denmark. Minister of State for Railways, E. Ahamed. Tharoor said that India would not take agreements with Malaysia, Bahrain and ing demand,” Dr. Singh said. “These agreements will help to max- UAE-based EMKE Group’s Managing Gulf countries for granted. “Precisely Qatar that create institutional frameworks “At the meeting of the (Prime Minister’s imise benefits from labour mobility while Director M.A. Yusuff Ali set the tone by because we have no problems in our ties President Pratibha Patil gives Pravasi to look into issues such as recruitment, Global Advisory) Council, some very valu- addressing host country concerns such as suggesting that the Government hold the with the Gulf, we should not let it slip Bharatiya Samman to Azad Moopen. terms of employment and workers' welfare. able suggestions were made to upgrade the irregular migration and integration prob- next edition of mini-PBD in the Gulf. into complacency,” he said. “We also signed social security agree- quality of higher education system in our lems,” the Prime Minister concluded. !

6| INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|7 JANUARY 2010 JANUARY 2010 Pravasi Bharatiya Samaan Awardees 2010

PROFILES OF PRAVASI BHARATIYA SAMMAN AWARDEES

Upendra Chivukula is the first Indian American to be elected to the New Jersey Tholisah Perumal Naidoo is a publisher, General Assembly and only the fourth journalist and founder of the Indian Indian American in the U.S. to be Academy of South Africa in Durban. He elected to state office in 2001. He came has been promoting Indian culture in to the US in 1974 and became involved South Africa for the past 25 years. in politics after he graduated from the City University of New York. Rajni Kanabar is a philanthropist who initiated the Tanzania Heart Babies Mohinder Singh Bhullar, a successful project wherein Tanzanian children businessman suffering from congenital heart defects in Brunei Darussalam, was instrumental are sent to India for open heart surgeries. in the formation of the Indian Chamber Over 1,300 surgeries were performed in of Commerce in Brunei Darussalam. He the last 27 years. has assisted the Indian community in that southeast Asian nation and has acted as a bridge between India and Brunei Darussalam.

Yanktesh Piramal Reddy, an Indian-origin businessman in Fiji, has promoted tourism to India in a big way from the entire south Pacific region. He has also worked relentlessly for the protection of the interests of the Indian community in Fiji.

Ryuko Hira, is the director of the prestigious Japan-India Association. Deepak Mittal, an industrialist and He has supported several projects for financial expert, has successfully set up President Pratibha Patil with 14 Pravasi the underprivileged in India. He has also and operated many large state-of-the-art Bharatiya Samman awardees in New Delhi. supported the translation and publica- Indian joint ventures in Thailand. His “They often face harsh living and work- tion of the Mahabharata, Vedas and efforts have led to expanded trade ‘Join the growth ride’ ing conditions and are separated from their Upanishads. between India and Thailand. families for long periods of time. I take this opportunity to salute Indian workers in the Dr. R.U. Pawankar has focused on the Lenny Krishendath Saith is Minister in President Pratibha Patil hailed Indian workers in the Gulf for contributing nearly 40 Gulf,” the President said. furtherance of India-Japan medical the Prime Minister’s Office in Trinidad Patil said India was looking at an invest- collaboration for several years. & Tobago. A strong advocate of bilateral percent of remittances – about $20 billion annually – from across the diaspora ment potential of $500 billion in sprucing ties between India and Trinidad & up physical infrastructure alone over the next Suresh Kumar Virmani, a successful Tobago, he has consistently promoted resident Pratibha Patil has urged education at all levels and expanding many other countries and it has also meant five years. This apart, the country is also engineer, entrepreneur and businessman, the cause of the Indian diaspora in T&T. overseas Indians to participate in healthcare infrastructure, Patil said, a quicker recovery,” she said. looking at expanding social infrastructure in is a founder member of the Indian and benefit from the country’s adding that this “presents an unprecedent- Patil specially congratulated the overseas health care and education. “The expenditure Cultural Association in Oman. He has Dr. Azad Moopen is a physician- “unfolding” growth story. ed opportunity, including for our overseas Indian workers in the Gulf who contribute on healthcare infrastructure in the country is worked relentlessly for the welfare of the turned-entrepreneur who manages one P“In the social infrastructure sector as also community, to participate in and benefit nearly 40 percent of remittances from the projected to grow at 5.8 percent annually. expatriate Indian community in Oman. of the largest healthcare networks in the physical infrastructure development, India from India’s unfolding growth story”. diaspora. This presents an unprecedented opportunity Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) coun- is looking at the investment increasingly in “The Indian growth story is an absorb- “India’s remittances from overseas including for our overseas community to Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan, Finance tries. the public-private partnership model. ing, exciting and a continuing one. We are Indians, estimated at over $50 billion last participate and benefit in India’s unfolding Minister of South Africa, has distin- Financing needs are estimated to be over a big and a growing market,” the President year, were the highest in the world. What is growth story,” she added. guished himself as commissioner of the Mani Lal Bhaumik is a scientist, author, $500 billion in the next five years,” she said said and added that the country’s banks less known, though, is the fact that nearly Earlier, Patil conferred the prestigious South African Revenue Service. He was educator and philanthropist, whose while addressing the valedictory function and financial institutions are based on 40 percent of these remittances – about Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award on a political activist who took active part in books and lectures at prestigious institu- of the 8th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) “best practices” in fiduciary responsibility $20 billion annually – come from 14 distinguished members of the Indian the anti-apartheid movement of that tions have significantly contributed on January 9. and are well-regulated. “All this has enabled overseas Indian workers in the Gulf con- diaspora for their achievements in life and country, organising and leading student toward a better understanding of the cul- The Government has focused on us to cope with one of the worst economic sisting of temporary contractual skilled and contribution to the welfare of the communi- movements. tural and spiritual heritage of India. improving the quality and quantity of downturns in recent history, better than semi-skilled workers,” she said. ty and enhancing India’s image overseas. !

8| INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS | 9 JANUARY 2010 JANUARY 2010 INDIA-UAE Consul General’s book on Exhibition India-UAE ties presented to of rare Consul General Rajamony (left) with Sheikh photographic Ruler of Dubai Mohammad. he first copy of the coffee table aligned nations organisations and the United juxtaposed against new developments, oppor- prints book India and the UAE: In Nations, as well as a great economic power, tunities and fascinating insider glimpses of the Celebration of a Legendary not only regionally but also internationally. stories that prominent Emiratis and leading of India Friendship, authored by Consul “With this in mind, we are keen to Indian businessmen based in the UAE have to TGeneral in Dubai Venu Rajamony, was maintain and enhance existing bridges of tell, according to the statement. presented to the United Arab Emirates cooperation with India for the mutual ben- With messages from the UAE’s rulers he Consulate General of India (UAE) Vice President and Prime Minister efit of both nations, so that the security and and interviews of senior ministers, the and Empty Quarter Fine Art and Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin the economic stability of the Gulf region, book is a definitive narrative of the India- Photography Gallery, in col- Rashid Al Maktoum. the Indian subcontinent and the whole UAE ties, it added. Produced and pub- laboration with Howard The book was presented on January 25 world can be achieved.” lished by Indian Expressions Management TGreenberg Gallery is hosting ‘Sacred Sites on the eve of India’s 60th Republic Day, The 260-page book explores the ties Consultancy in association with Motivate of India’, an exhibition of rare, vintage according to a press release issued by the between India and the UAE dating back to Publishing, the book will be available and contemporary photographic prints of Indian Consulate General. The release of ancient times. It is filled with insights into the across India and the UAE soon. India from January 5 to February 5. the book comes ahead of Rajamony leaving historic, political, cultural and business aspects Rajamony’s stint in Dubai has seen a “This is an exhibition of rare and spe- Dubai shortly at the end of his tenure, it of the association between the two countries. number of community and welfare initia- cial photographs by some of the top pho- added. The book is a pictorial chronicle of the tives, cultural and business forums, launch tographers in the world on India,” Consul The statement quoted Sheikh great moments that have added up to the of a monthly consulate news magazine General of India in Dubai Venu Mohammed as saying in a message: “We present and the reader is taken on a journey India Matters and several other novel ven- Rajamony said while inaugurating the look upon India as our neighbours and its through time, where glittering vistas of tures on the part of the Consulate. The exhibition on January 5. people as friends; we consider India a force ancient and contemporary narratives, rare UAE is home to around 1.5 million expa- “It showcases India in all its diversity for peace. It is an active member of the non- photographs as well as facts and figures are triate Indians. ! and presents different aspects of the life and people of India. These pictures have not been seen by the public in UAE till date. We invite members of the Indian CG CALLS ON CROWN PRINCE OF RAS AL-KHAIMAH community as well as friends from the UAE and the international community to HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr come and see the exhibition in large num- Al Qasimi, Crown Prince bers,” he added. and Deputy Ruler of Ras In a country as vast as India that is rich Al-Khaimah, received Venu in culture, tradition and has a generosity Rajamony, Consul General of spirit, this remarkable exhibition brings The Photographers of India in Dubai on the images from a world nearly forgotten, February 1, 2010. The where the people continue to live their Maragaret Bourke White was sent to describe a “luminescent quality” that diplomat paid a courtesy traditional lifestyles largely undisturbed. India by Life magazine at the time of exemplifies classic Raj photography. visit to Sheikh Saud to bid This fascinating journey explores a varied Independence and the events surround- Henri Cartier-Bresson arrived in India farewell at the end of his group of images from the late 19th centu- ing it. She also got to photograph in 1947 at the time of its Independence. tenure in the UAE. The ry with an overview of Kolkata by the Mahtama Gandhi only hours before his Having made inside connections through meeting reviewed ways of Bourne and Shepherd studio as well as death on January 30, 1948. Jawaharlal Nehru, he was able to capture boosting relations between images from Falkland Road, Henri Samuel Bourne is the most the essence of India’s soul. He pho- the two friendly countries. Cartier Bresson, Mary Ellen Mark and researched and highly praised colonial tographed Hindus in refugee camps after Sheikh Saud wished the Mark Riboud. photographer. His works gave birth to a the Partition and, during six extended vis- outgoing Consul General Owner of The Empty Quarter gallery, studio, Bourne and Shepard, that still its over a 20-year period, made astonish- success in his future mis- Elie Domit, expressed joy at the response operates in Kolkata. Bourne’s photo- ing images of the death and cremation of sion. The Consul General the exhibition has received. graphs have what his contemporaries Mahatma Gandhi. gifted him a copy of his “This is the first major exhibition of new book, India and the photography ever to be held at The tographers, who helped shape the medi- cinating – a rare opportunity for collectors UAE: In Celebration of a Empty Quarter, featuring vintage prints um,” Domit said. to acquire vintage prints from these modern Legendary Friendship. from some of the most iconic, pioneering “Anyone with an interest in 20th centu- masters, whilst lovers of the medium to and influential 20th century fine art pho- ry photography will find this exhibition fas- enjoy seeing this rare work,” he said. !

10|INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|11 JANUARY 2010 JANUARY 2010 INDIA-UAE India’s Reliance Solar Group appoints ILA its MENA distributors organises TL Solar, experts in solar street lighting solutions and part of 7th free Green Energy LLC has been appointed as exclusive distributors Pfor the Middle East and Africa region for health camp Reliance Solar Group, part of Reliance Industries, the largest private sector enterprise in India. for workers India’s Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah inaugurated the first exclusive international Reliance he seventh health camp organ- Showroom at the Dubai Creek Towers in ised by the Indian Ladies Deira on January 22. Association (ILA) of Dubai, the The event was also attended by Ali Bin Consulate General of India in Towaih, Executive Director of ENPARK TDubai and the Getwell Clinic on January 8 and Sustainable Energy and Environment witnessed a turnout of over 500 people. Division (SEED) at TECOM The event, held at the Consulate audito- Investments, and Rabindra Satpathy, rium, was exclusively for workers and other President of Reliance Solar Group, as needy people in the community who did guests of honour. Minister Abdullah with Executive Director of ENPARK Ali Bin Towaih. not have medical insurance and whose Business partners, suppliers, and cus- income was AED2000 a month or below. tomers of PTL Solar, as well as a few mem- A panel of doctors, including general bers of a delegation from the Confederation physicians, dermatologists, ophthalmolo- of Indian Industry (CII), and media mem- gists, optometrists, orthopedic surgeons, bers also attended the event. dentists, gynecologists, cardiologists, and Prabissh Thomas, Managing Director of other specialists offered their services for PTL Solar, said: “We are proud of being free. selected as the exclusive Middle East and Like in previous camps, the Indian Africa distributor by Reliance Industries. Pharmaceutical Professionals Council sup- This alliance is a perfect match for us as it plied free medicines along with the servic- will bring synergy to our operations and es of a team of experienced pharmacists. help us meet our objectives in offering the The camps are organised every three best energy solutions. We are looking for- months and are entirely managed by ILA ward to extending the benefits of this part- volunteers. nership to a wide base of stakeholders in ILA is a social and charity organisation, the entire region.” On his part, Ali Bin which has been empowering and nurturing Towaih said that ENPARK’s mandate was to ladies of the Indian community since ensure that its business partners were provid- 1976. It conducts programmes to educate ed with an optimal environment and the women on important issues and plays an resources to grow the green energy industry important role in providing a platform for in the region. women to express themselves. “We are confident PTL Solar will play Minister Abdullah with former Ambassador of India in the UAE Talmiz Ahmad at the It also has various clubs dedicated to a crucial role in driving forward the green IBPC function. reiki, cookery, gardening, photography and industry and positioning the UAE as a books. It participates in local charity and leading player in the global energy sec- solar air conditioners – all based on solar Farooq Abdullah also attended an event social campaigns like UAE Clean-Up Day tor,” he stated. Reliance Solar Group spe- energy. organised by the Indian Business and with Emirates Environmental Group, cialises in developing and offering prod- PTL Solar is part of Green Energy, a Professional Council (IBPC), Dubai on Children of Gaza with Dubai Cares, ucts, systems and solutions ranging from leading solutions provider for solar and January 22, where, Gauri Singh, Joint Funfair with Al Noor Training Centre for solar lanterns, home lighting systems and renewable energy products in Middle East Secretary, in the Ministry of New and children with special needs, and a street lighting systems to water purifica- and Africa. Renewable Energy gave a presentation on walkathon organised by the Gulf Heart tion systems, refrigeration systems and In the course of his visit, Minister ‘Green Energy Opportunities’. ! Association. !

12|INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|13 JANUARY 2010 JANUARY 2010 BUSINESS & ECONOMY

IN SHORT ‘Indian " " Indian IT market to Demand for protein foods revive on recovery signs economy can set to grow, says Minister mid signs of economic recovery, grow at 9%’ he Government has called upon the Indian IT and IT-enabled Tagricultural scientists to increase Aservices (ITeS) market is projected the production of protein foods to to grow by 15 percent in 2010 as against a prevent an increase in their prices owing modest growth of 5.4 percent in 2009, a to demands of an increasingly calorie- report by market intelligence firm IDC conscious population. “If production of (International Data Corporation) India vegetables, pulses, milk, meat and said on December 31. staples do not catch up with the needs “As the economy recovers, both of a young and successful population, consumers and enterprises will demand serv- The domestic IT-ITeS market in 2010 is price pressure will hurt the poor, and the ices and solutions that allow them to do projected to be at Rs.1206.66 billion. low-income group,” said Minister of more with less. The structural changes he Indian economy could grow at 9 State for Agriculture K.V. Thomas. undertaken in 2009 will propel the domestic “On stand-alone basis, the domestic IT PepsiCo head Indra Nooyi and Citibank CEO Vikram Pandit. Tpercent next fiscal, helped by a Foreseeing a stabilised population by IT-ITeS market to grow in 2010,” IDC India market is expected to grow by 13 percent rise in domestic demand and higher 2050 in the country, the Minister said: Country Manager Kapil Dev Singh said. in 2010 to Rs. 107,655 crore (Rs. 1076.55 industrial output, even as high fiscal “The demand for protein foods is going The changes were effected by the resilient IT billion/Rs.1.08 trillion), while the ITeS 8 Indian-born CEOs deficit remained an area of concern, said to grow exponentially.” industry to overcome the impact of econom- market will grow by 35 percent to Rs. a senior analyst with Ernst and Young. ic slowdown and accelerate the industry 13,011 crore (Rs. 130 billion) in the New in Forbes’ list “If we have a normal monsoon next Core industries grew transformation towards a new market order. Year,” the report pointed out. year, we can expect the economy to grow 5.6% in November The domestic IT-ITeS market in 2010 is The report, titled ‘India Domestic ICT ndians are notches above other immi- the chairman of a hedge fund, Old Lane at 9 percent. We already have a good projected to be at Rs. 120,666 crore (Rs. (Information and Communication grants in the United States, says Forbes. Partners,” Forbes noted. industrial production and we expect it to ey sectors of the economy grew 5.6 1206.66 billion), a growth of 15 percent Technologies) Market Top 10 predictions Pepsico Chief Executive Indira Nooyi Third on the list is Kenya-born be higher during 2010-11,” said Ashvin Kpercent in November, according to over the growth of 5.4 percent in 2009 at 2010’, said the new phase of growth and inevitably topped the list of what Francisco D’Souza who heads Cognizant Parekh, national director of Ernst and Commerce Minister Anand Sharma. Rs. 104,906 crore (Rs. 1,049 billion). development was evolving along trends IForbes called “Eight Indian-Flavoured Technology Solutions, that outsources IT Young Financial Services. “The six-core index registered a growth The combined market size was Rs. that were different from the previous CEOs” who lead US corporations with rev- services for its Western world clients. “We also expect India’s exports to rise of 5.3 percent in November 2009 as 99,654 crore (Rs. 996.54 billion) in 2008. growth phase during 2003-08. ! enues of at least $2 billion, as the premier D’Souza, 40, joined the company in and its industrial growth at around 10 compared to 0.8 percent in the previ- business magazine chronicled the rise of 1994 when it was founded and, within percent by the end of this fiscal,” Parekh ous year,” said Sharma while unveiling Indians in corporate ranks in America. three years, had gone up the ranks to said, agreeing with Finance Minister a draft of the comprehensive policy on “The chief executive of PepsiCo would become director of North American opera- Pranab Mukherjee that the economy can FDI. The month saw steel production ‘8,000-km road construction be prominent no matter what. The fact tions. Next comes Shantanu Narayen, 46, grow 8 percent this fiscal. increasing 11.7 percent, cement 9 per- that the current one — Indra Nooyi — is at the helm at Adobe Systems. The compa- The predictions on India’s growth cent, coal 3.3 percent, petroleum refin- contracts this fiscal’ an Indian immigrant (and female, in case ny’s flagship Internet video tool is Flash. were altered upward after the official ery products 4.9 percent and electricity he Central govern- investment made by the you’ve been living under a rock) makes her “At least one top boss of Indian descent is data on gross domestic product showed generation by 1.8 percent. ment will bid out government could be all the more noteworthy,” it said. plotting a growth strategy,” says Forbes of a 7.9 percent expansion during the T8,000 km of road judged if the position was “It’s not a surprise that we’re seeing Quest Diagnostics’ head Surya Mohapatra, second quarter this fiscal, against 7-7.5 Stimulus likely to stay construction contracts in reviewed 18 months from Indians rise in corporate ranks,” Forbes fifth on the list. Also featured are Dinesh percent that was expected earlier. for now, says Pranab the current fiscal, Planning now. Giving an outline of quotes Richard Herman, co-author of a Paliwal of Harman International, Jai P. There were further signs of a recovery Commission Deputy the thrust in the govern- book on migrants to the United States, Nagarkatti of Sigma-Aldrich and Abhijit when the country’s merchandise exports he Government is unlikely to with- Chairman Montek Singh ment’s economic policy, Immigrant, Inc, as saying. Talwalkar of LSI. grew 18.2 percent in November after as Tdraw the stimulus packages now as Ahluwalia said on December 22. Ahluwalia said: “We want to create an envi- Of the featured eight, Nooyi, 53, said Paliwal, a native of the city of the Taj many as 13 successive months of decline domestic firms would be hit in case the “In comparison, the Government bid ronment where competitive forces remain Herman, is part of a growing trend where Mahal, joined Harman, a sound-systems since October last year. Industrial pro- global economy collapses, Finance out 2,000 km of road construction con- strong and ensure economy becomes open.” US companies are being created, or led, by company in Stamford, Connecticut, as chief duction, too, was up by a robust 10.3 Minister Pranab Mukherjee said. tracts during the last three years,” The government would also ensure there foreign-born individuals who bring in executive in 2007. Nagarkatti joined Sigma- percent in October. “Exiting from the stimulus packages Ahluwalia told a CII-organised national was no unfair competition and create infra- something special. Aldrich in 1976 as a development chemist, Previously, the country’s growth had now may not be the correct approach conference on leadership. structure by taking help of the Public-Private Vikram Pandit, CEO of Citigroup, is the and after heading the company’s scientific slipped to 6.7 percent in the last fiscal because if the world economy collapses, Speaking via video conferencing from Partnership (PPP) model. Recalling that the other prominent native Indian in the corner research business, was appointed COO in from over 9 percent in the three preceding the depression would be deeper. I am New Delhi, Ahluwalia said he was not 11th Five-Year Plan had envisaged that 30 office. “Prior to joining the ailing bank he August 2004. Talwalkar was appointed years. In the first quarter of the current fis- not hinting at anything,” Mukherjee “dissatisfied” with the pick-up in infrastruc- percent of the infrastructure spending should was president of Morgan Stanley’s invest- Chief Executive of LSI of Milpitas, cal, the growth in the country’s gross said. He, however, said the stimulus ture which saw larger government funding be through the PPP, he said: “There should be ment banking, fixed income and capital California, in May 2005. Earlier, he was at domestic product was 6.1 percent. packages would widen the fiscal deficit. because of the economic downturn. an increase in infrastructure spending includ- markets businesses and cofounded and was Intel’s digital enterprise group. ! He said the success of the infrastructure ing in expanding rural infrastructure.” !

14|INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|15 JANUARY 2010 JANUARY 2010 BUSINESS & ECONOMY

With two million visitors, the 10th Auto Expo in India, New Delhi emerged as the largest among such events, even surpassing New York and Shanghai the global

ndia’s emergence as a major market and a hub for the global auto industry was reinforced at this year’s Auto Expo that concluded on January 11 auto hub in New Delhi, which saw the launch of an unprecedented 72 vehicles in virtually every segment by Idomestic and multinational companies. In tune with the global concern for the environment, ‘clean and green’ was clearly the flavour of the seven-day event where hybrids and battery powered vehicles were showcased in equal measure along with those that run on conventional fuels. According to the organisers, Auto Expo 2010 also emerged as among the largest such shows even surpassing those at New York and Shanghai, as it managed to attract as many as two million visitors. The Expo had about 125,000 square metres of exhibition space and about two million visitors, while Shanghai drew 600,000 visitors and New York 1.2 million. Organisers said this was the largest such auto expo. This apart, 2,100 companies from 30 countries participated in the show with large contingents from Germany, the United States, South Korea, Japan and China. Speaking at the concluding ceremony, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia said the number of new models launched at the Expo underlined the robust recovery of the Indian auto market and its growing stature in the world. “The Government aims to give full support to the automotive small and medium scale enterprises, and particularly to technology upgrade. The nation is fast becoming a manufacturing hub for passenger cars, especially small cars,” he said. !

(From clockwise) Ian Callum, chief designer of Jaguar, with Tata group Chairman Ratan Tata unveiling the Jaguar-XJ car at the 10th Auto Expo; actor Shah Rukh Khan unveils the Hyundai i10 electric car; Skoda’s newly-launched Yeti SUV; A newly- launched Volkswagen Polo car; and Honda’s new small concept car at the Auto Expo.

16|INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|17 JANUARY 2010 JANUARY 2010 BUSINESS & ECONOMY Poverty declined after reforms: PM ‘The decade that he economic reforms have helped was India’s’ in reducing poverty in India, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan alling it ‘The Decade That Was Singh said on December 27, but India’s’, a leading US daily says Tadmitted a lot more needed to be done as India’s ability to make the poverty remained a “major challenge”. success of the last 10 years the “There is no doubt in my view that Cnorm across regions and industries, “could poverty remains a major challenge. Our well pave the way for an Indian century”. poor are still too poor and we need to do Exports from MSMEs “Nobody knew what would happen much more to improve their standard of on the rise: CII when 1999 ended. Would computer living,” he said, in his address at the 92nd systems crash and paralyse machines, annual conference of the Indian Economic xports from micro, small and medi- power lines, lights, life as we know it?” the Association in Bhubaneswar, Orissa. Eum enterprises (MSMEs) are on Wall Street Journal said recalling how the are significant for India and its place in the “The economy has to grow fast enough the rise despite the rising cost of raw world turned to India to take on the dread- new economic order.” to create new job opportunities at a rate materials and stiff global competition, ed Y2K bug. “The backlash against outsourcing faster than the growth of labour force,” he says the Confederation of Indian “This was the decade that defined India remains a very real threat, intensifying said, supporting high growth rate for Industry (CII). – and India defined. Think back to the amid 10 percent unemployment in the reduction of poverty and stressing on According to the CII MSME Outlook mid-1990s, as software services entrepre- US,” it said. “But outsourcing – and the “inclusive growth” as brought out in the Survey on Exports, 42 percent of respon- neurs assure me, and Americans didn’t idea that companies must operate cheaply, 11th Five-Year Plan. dents said their exports rose over the past know India at all,” the leading daily said. efficiently, globally – has come to be an For inclusive growth, the Prime Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressing the 92nd Annual Conference of Indian six months, 49 percent saw a decline “Ten years later, the world is in panic mode accepted, inescapable reality.” Minister suggested that the country must Economic Association (IEA) in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, on December 27. while there was no change for the again – and some economists think India “A plurality went as far as to say the US pay greater attention to sectors like educa- remaining 9 percent. will come to the rescue yet again,” it added. will be surpassed by China in 20 years as tion, health and rural development. ularly of small and marginal farmers,” he rather helped in bringing down the num- The principal findings of the survey “This time, it’s from the evolution of the world’s top power.” “We need to pay greater attention to added. The Prime Minister, however, ber of people living below poverty line. were based on responses from a broad that nascent outsourcing model into the “India can hardly be far behind, given its education, healthcare and rural develop- denied that the economic reforms had “Ideally, facts are quite clear. The per- spectrum of industry groups and MSME engine of a robust global player that can do population projected to exceed China and ment focusing particularly on the needs of adversely affected the poor. “There is no centage (of people) below poverty line has members of CII. India’s exports during more than serve US companies; Indians its democratic form of government,” the the poor – scheduled castes, scheduled evidence that the new economic policies not increased. In fact, the population November rose to 18.2 percent after 13 can buy their products, too,” the Journal Journal said, noting, “That would have tribes and minorities,” he said, urging effi- have had an adverse effect on the poor,” he below poverty line has declined after eco- successive months of decline since said noting, “The bookends of this decade been unthinkable in 1999.” ! cient and economic use of scarce natural said. nomic reforms, at least at the same rate as October last year. Industrial production, resources like land and water. “It is true that the rate of decline has not it was before... Greater emphasis has to be too, was up by a robust 10.3 percent in “Special attention has to be paid in been as it should have been,” he said laid on reforms in governance to reduce the October. Rs. 10 tn investment in food increasing agricultural productivity-partic- adding that the economic reforms have scope for corruption,” he added. ! The CII survey was undertaken to analyse the actual export performance of processing by 2015: Minister the MSMEs during the first half of Germany looks at business cooperation with Kerala 2009-10 to understand the future export he central government plans an prospects during the second half. investment of Rs. 1 lakh crore (Rs. ermany wants to work in sectors German behemoths the education sector, and added that the “This is besides identifying key factors T10 trillion), including from the pri- such as roads and infrastructure such as BMW, German state of Bavaria was keen to that are limiting exports, and the emerg- vate sector, in the food processing sector by Gdevelopment in Kerala, German Mercedes-Benz or cooperate with stakeholders in Kerala. ing export markets for the Indian 2015, union Food Processing Minister Ambassador in India Thomas Matussek Siemens setting up Matussek was accompanied by MSMEs,” CII said in a statement. Subodh Kant Sahai has said. said on December 29. shop in the state. German Consul General Rolf Saligman, The survey said 50 percent of respon- “We have an investment plan of Rs.1 “Germany is keen to cooperate with “Those big guys who oversees issues related to Karnataka dents expected an increase in exports lakh crore by 2015. We are looking at it to In the last five years, food processing in Kerala in the areas of roads, infrastructure know how to han- and Kerala. The German team also visit- between October 2009 and March 2010, happen through private participation,” he India has grown nearly 10 per cent. development, ports, urban planning and dle their affairs. ed the Technopark IT campus in 15 percent foresaw no change, while 35 said on the sidelines of a business summit Ministry to have brought down food relat- alternate energy besides education and we Thomas Matussek. Instead, I want the Thiruvananthapuram. percent believed their volumes would on the Northeast in Kolkata. ed taxes to negligible level. With the GST are really keen to make this happen,” said small and medium enterprises to come “There are a good number of doctors decline. In the last five years, food processing in coming up, our effort will be to push the Matussek. over to Kerala for business and there are and nurses from here in Germany and ours The key limiting factors for export India has grown nearly 10 per cent, he said, food taxes in 0-4 percent band and restrict The Ambassador, who invited Kerala many areas this can be done. The best is an ageing society. There are immense job orders over the next six months for adding it aims to register a growth of it there,” the Minister added. Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan to visit way forward is through the Indo-German opportunities in the medical field there,” MSMEs are rising cost of raw material, around 20 percent by 2015. He also urged the states to formulate a Germany and also met Transport Minister Chamber of Commerce,” he said. said Matussek, adding that his son was international competition, price compet- Sahai said his Ministry was concerned food processing industry policy to fur- Jose Thettayil, said he was not looking at Another area of interest, he said, was baptised by a priest from Kerala. itiveness and delay in payments, CII said. about the Goods and Services Tax (GST). ther strengthen the activities within the “Food cannot be taxed. Ours is the only sector. !

18| INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|19 JANUARY 2010 JANUARY 2010 TRAVEL

veritable paradise for both domestic and international tourists, Goa dances to the tune of the mandos, and sways toA the rhythm of the fisherman’s oar and the soothing sounds of heaving and crash- ing sea waves. Palm trees, white-sand beaches, colour- GOA ful festivals, a vibrant nightlife, exotic sea- food and magnificent architecture – it is The Rome of the East home to the happy-go-lucky Goan. Often called ‘The Rome of the East’, it is where Glittering sand, tall palms, pleasant breezes, surfing, the Portuguese blended with India, giving sunbathing, scuba diving – Goa’s beaches promise you birth to the colourful and lively Goan culture. Goa was a Portuguese colony for the ultimate fun and romantic holiday experience nearly 450 years.

A KALEIDOSCOPE Goa is a kaleidoscope of different reli- gions, ethnic groups, races and faiths but every Goan celebrates the joi de vivre of love and harmony. They are also at once simple and flamboyant. Hindus form nearly 65 percent of Goa’s population, Christians 26 percent, and Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains form the rest (2001 census). Tourism is Goa’s lifeline and the bulwark of its economy. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Konkani in the Devnagari script is the about 10 km from Panjim, the church is sole official language of Goa while home to the mortal remains of St. Francis Marathi is also widely used for official Xavier, the co-founder of the Society of purposes. The other languages spoken by HOW TO REACH Jesus. The church is a classic example of Goans are English, Hindi and Portuguese. Baroque architecture, which originated in By Air: All leading airlines such as Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara con- The weather in Goa is pleasant but is late 16th century Italy. The church was nect Dabolim Airport in Goa. Even chartered flights are operated directly to and from Goa. hot and humid during summer. Goa consecrated in 1605. By Rail: Madgaon is the main railway station. Vasco-da-Gama, Tivim and Karmali are looks exquisite when the first showers of SE CATHEDRAL CHURCH other stations that are also well-connected by trains with the rest of the country. the southwest monsoon swamp the hot Standing tall at 115 feet, its walls paint- By Road: National Highways 4A, 17, 17A, and state highways run through the state. sands of Goa. Soon it is awash in green. ed in white, it’s Old Goa’s most sparkling Monsoon arrives here in early June and adornment. It was under Afonso de lasts till September. ANJUNA BEACH dolphin sighting while having a fun boat sions and churches tell stories of the cen- Albuquerque that Portugal conquered Often known as ‘Goa’s Freak Capital of trip. turies-old Portuguese era. The beauty of Goa in 1510. Se Cathedral was built to BEACH PARADISE the World’, it is nearly 18 km from the Goan architecture lies in the fusion of commemorate the Portuguese victory and Think beaches, think Goa... Glittering Panjim, the capital of Goa. The beach CALANGUTE BEACH Indian, Portuguese and Islamic traditions. was consecrated in 1640. Built in the sands, tall palms, pleasant breezes, surfing, boasts of the amazing Albuquerque Nearly 16 km from the capital, Portuguese-Gothic style, it is one of the sunbathing, scuba diving – Goa’s beaches Mansion. Built in 1920, it has octagonal Calangute, known as the ‘Queen of CHURCHES largest churches in Asia. promise you the ultimate fun and roman- towers and Mangalore-tiled roofs. Beaches’, is Goa’s most popular resort. A Goa boasts some of India’s most gor- tic holiday experience. Every beach is lively nightlife, bars, restaurants, cafes, geous churches. Some of them are the TEMPLES worth a visit. ARAMBOL BEACH parasailing, water skiing, surfing, swim- Church of Mary Immaculate Conception, Goa’s temples have also drawn exten- Some of the most popular beaches here Arambol, a secluded beach, is around ming and parties make Calangute a great Reis Magos Church, Se Cathedral, St. sively on Portuguese architecture, though are Anjuna, Agonda, Arambol, Baga, 50 km from Panjim. Nearby, there is also hangout. Anne Church, Church of St. Augustine, altered or reconstructed after 1961. Benaulim, Bogmalo, Calangute, a freshwater lake fed by hot spring water. St. Cajetan Church, Church of St. Francis Temples like Mangueshi Temple, Candolim, Cavelossim, Colva, Dona The cliffs near the beaches make the place ARCHITECTURE and St. Paul Church. Mahalasa Temple, Shanta Durga Temple Paula, Majorda, Miramar, Palolem and a great adventure sports spot making Goan architecture is fabulous. The and Ananta Temple are among the most Vagator. para-gliding possible. You can also enjoy ancient walls and curves of the forts, man- BASILICA OF BOM JESUS frequently visited and popular ones. !

20|INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|21 JANUARY 2010 JANUARY 2010 QUIZ TOURIST VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR

This magazine will accept contributions from readers in the form of Q&As, factoids, quiz news, NATIONALS OF FIVE COUNTRIES announcements of upcoming quiz events and also photographs. You can write in to he Government of India Ministry of Home [email protected]. has introduced ‘Tourist Affairs: TVisa on Arrival’ for citizens ! The tourist of five countries – Finland, visa on arrival may be 1. Which premier annual Indian football tournament that start- shifted to Karol Bagh in Delhi in 1925 and upgraded to a Japan, Luxembourg, New converted to X (entry) ed in 1891 was last played in the 2000-01 season? central university in 1988? Zealand and Singapore – with visa if a foreigner who effect from January 1, 2010. has come to India mar- 2. Which stock exchange of India was incorporated in 1992 11. Founded by eminent freedom fighter Dr. Bhogaraju Pattabhi The visa on arrival will be issued ried an Indian national after being promoted by leading financial institutions of the Sitaramayya, this bank, now a nationalised one, commenced only at Delhi Mumbai, Chennai during the validity of country? business on November 28, 1923, with a paid-up capital of and Kolkata airports and will his/her tourist visa on Rs. 100,000. Name it. have a maximum validity of 30 arrival. Proper docu- 3. Which of the seven islands that originally formed the city of days with single entry. The fol- ments including a copy lowing terms and conditions will of registered marriage Mumbai was known as Candil during the time of Portuguese 12. Can you identify the premier Indian government apply for such categories of certificate will be rule? autonomous apex organisation, the logo of which is shown visas: required for this. here? ! The sole purpose of visiting India on 4. Nagendra Singh, who served as the chief election commis- tourist visa on arrival should be for sioner of India in 1972-73, also served as the president of recreation, sight seeing, casual visit, which international body from 1985 to 1988? visit to meet friends or relatives. and no other purpose or activity. 5. The upper reaches of the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in ! The applicant does not have a resi- Uttarkashi, covering an area of 472.08 sq km, was notified as a dence or occupation in India. national park to protect which endangered species of animal? ! The applicant’s passport has minimum six months’ validity and a re-entry per- mit, if that is required under the law of 6. Name this Bollywood actress who made her movie debut in the country of the nationality of the the 1997 Tamil film Iruvar, directed by Mani Ratnam, and applicant. tasted her first major commercial success in another Tamil ! The applicant should be of assured film Jeans the following year. financial standing (the production of return ticket and availability of sufficient 7. The name of which team of the Indian Premier League (IPL) money to spend during his stay in India). cricket tournament reflects the name of the newspaper that ! Tourist visa on arrival of foreigners who owns it? fall ill after their entry into India and require specialised medical treatment THE 13TH QUESTION may be converted to medical visa. In 8. In 1960, which well-known litterateur became the first per- In Beating The Retreat, the closing ceremony of India’s such cases, tourist visa on arrival of the son to win the Sahitya Akademi Award for English? attendant may also be converted into Republic Day celebrations, drummers play to the chime medical attendant (MEDX) after submis- 9. Which well-known tourist attraction in Lucknow was built of distant bells a famous 19th century hymn composed sion of medical certificate from govern- by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Avadh, to serve by English organist and church musician William H. ment/government recognized hospitals. as his own mausoleum? Monk that is said to have been a favourite of Mahatma ! A fee of US$60 or equivalent amount in Indian rupees per passenger, including Gandhi. Can you name the hymn? 10. Which university was first established in Aligarh in 1920, children), will be charged from each applicant for grant of a tourist visa on ANSWERS arrival.

! The applicant is not a persona non- grand parents (paternal or maternal) ! Tourist visa on arrival shall be allowed Abide With Me. With Abide

The 13th Question: 13th The grata to the Government of India. was born in and was permanently resi- for a maximum of two times in a calen-

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research or ICAR. or Research Agricultural of Council Indian The 12. Bank. Andhra

11. ! The citizens from the above named dent in Pakistan. Such persons can visit dar year to a foreigner with a minimum

Deccan Chargers, owned by by owned Chargers, Deccan 7. Bachchan). Jamia Millia Islamia. Millia Jamia 10. Imambara. Chhota 9. ). Guide The novel his (for Narayan R.K. 8. .

The Deccan Chronicle Deccan The countries who want to come to India for India after obtaining appropriate visas gap of two months between each visit.

Aishwarya Rai (now Aishwarya Rai Aishwarya (now Rai Aishwarya 6. leopard. snow The 5. Justice. of Court International The 4. Colaba. 3. India. of Exchange Stock National The 2. Cup. Rovers 1. longer duration will be granted visa by from the Indian missions concerned. ! This facility will not be applicable to the Indian missions concerned. ! The tourist visa on arrival can neither be holders of diplomatic/official passports. ! The facility shall not be available to citi- extended not converted to any other zens of above countries (Finland, kind of visa during applicant's stay in The form for applying for this facility can Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and India except in the following circum- downloaded from the website 22|INDIA MATTERS JANUARY 2010 Singapore) if either of his/her parents or stances with the prior approval of the www.cgidubai.com. PUBLICATION OF THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA IN DUBAI

VOL. 2 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2010

Consulate General of India P.O. BOX 737, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Tel: +971 4 3971222/ +971 4 3971333, Fax: +971 4 3970453, Tlx.: 46061 CGIND EM BOOKBOOK ONON Email: [email protected]